Lithia Ranch Homeowners Have Goats, Fruit Trees & More

By Nicole Schoen

Every neighborhood has community guidelines to follow and Lithia Ranch is no exception. Since the lots on Lithia Ranch are spacious, consisting of a minimum of five acres per lot, there is room enough for homeowners to have animals and plants on their land. Included in the Lithia Ranch Homeowners Association (LRHOA) bylaws and covenants are guidelines for animals, pets and produce.

Lithia Ranch homeowners may have four domesticated household pets and possibly more if approved by the Agricultural Committee. Also allowed with approval from the committee per lot includes five horses, five cows, five donkeys, eight goats, five llamas, five emus, two peacocks and two swine. There is a maximum of up to five large animals in any combination and various small animals with LRHOA approval.

Residents are also allowed to grow fruits and vegetables for personal use with written approval required for wholesale distribution. Driving through the neighborhood, individuals can see horses grazing and baby calves frolicking or notice a new fruit tree grove. Listen closely and you may hear the sound of donkeys braying or roosters crowing. It is quite a rural setting with all the class of a deed restricted community.

The wide-set lots offer privacy and the Chito Branch Preserve across the street provides opportunities for peaceful outdoor exercising including hiking, biking and equestrian trails. This tight-knit community of 48 homes is a hidden gem in the quickly growing Lithia Area.

The LRHOA extends an open invitation to individuals interested in properties on Lithia Ranch to attend one of its meetings or call a member of the board to learn more about the community. For more information visit the www.lithiaranchhoa.net or drop a line to Lithia Ranch Homeowners Association at P.O. Box 663, Lithia, FL 33547.